THE decision on a second Mersey crossing has been put on hold until after the General Election, writes Stephen Bailey.

Crossing chiefs believe their bid is tantalizingly close to success, but election rules have meant an announcement cannot be made until after the May 5 poll.

They hope their bid will not lose the momentum it has built up thanks to recent support from key companies like Jaguar and Littlewoods. They had been hopeful of a decision before Tony Blair called the election on Tuesday morning.

But Derek Twigg, Halton's Labour MP, says the delay does not worry him. "I am confident we will get the go ahead for the bridge," he said.

And he accused the Tories of 'political opportunism of the worst kind' after the party's election candidate blasted the Government for not making an announcement before now.

Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Colin Bloom said: "The truth is that despite the overwhelming need for the second crossing, Tony Blair won't give it to us."

Mr Twigg countered: "The Tory Party turned down the Bridge in 1995 and the Tory transport secretary said in 1997 the traffic case for the bridge hadn't been made."

He added: "It's political opportunism of the worst kind."

Mr Twigg also said the bid details were still being worked on, so there would be no problems with a future planning inquiry should the green light be given.

"The transport minister Tony McNulty has told me the work is progressing well," said Mr Twigg.

And while the political candidates fight it out, second crossing chairman and Halton Council leader Cllr Tony McDermott will carry on lobbying behind the scenes. He wants all prospective parliamentary candidates around the Mersey river to show support for the bridge adding that if a new Government was elected, the case for the bridge still stands.

"We have proved the bridge is value for money," he said. "The economic benefits over 25 years easily outweigh the costs."